Council has adopted the 'Donations and Concessions for Not for Profit Organisations - Rates' and 'Donations for Not for Profit Organisations - Affordable Housing' policies.

These policies will allow for a donation or concession as applicable for financial assistanceequivalent to a percentage of the net rates and charges, subject to compliance with specifiedcriteria.

Remission for Granny Flats

Council recognises the financial impact of additional service charges for property owners whoprovide non-income-generating granny flats in support of dependent relatives. To ameliorate thisimpact, Council has adopted a policy (Rating Concessions - Granny Flats) to grant a remission on the extra service charges.

Deferral of Liability to Pay Rates

Individual ratepayers may find it difficult to meet their obligations due to their financialcircumstances. Notwithstanding Council's other policies, special arrangements can be madeprovided proof of hardship is provided to Council. The nature of these arrangements is generallydetermined on a case-by-case basis.

Natural Hardship Council may, at it’s discretion allow other concessions or remissions if it is of the opinion that some unusual and serious circumstances exist which may prevent payment within the appointed time or otherwise delay the payment of rates and charges as they fall due.

Exceptional Circumstances – Natural Disaster or Drought Relief

Council may at its discretion grant some relief to rural ratepayers who are financially stressed bydrought or have been affected by a natural disaster.

Developer Concessions

Council will levy rates on a discounted valuation to persons who subdivide land. The discountedvaluation used to levy rates will be 40% of the valuation. The subdivision must have beenapproved by the Chief Executive of the Department of Natural Resources, for this discount toapply.

Copies of policies and forms can be located on Council’s website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.auRates can be paid at any of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or via any of the methodsoutlined on the rates notice, including online at www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

For enquiries, please contact your local Customer Service Centre in Bowen on 07 4761 3600,Proserpine on 07 4945 0200 or Collinsville on 07 4785 5366.